Video messaging

ABSTRACT

A method for video messaging includes recording a video message, at a device, for a recipient; and selecting a contact as a recipient of the video message, at the device, without requiring typing at the device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of and claims priority toand benefit of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/309,371filed on Dec. 1, 2011, entitled “VIDEO MESSAGING,” by Eric Setton etal., and assigned to the assignee of the present application.

BACKGROUND

Participants in a video conference communicate with one another bytransmitting audio/video signals to one another. For example,participants are able to interact via two-way video and audiotransmissions simultaneously. However, the participants may not be ableto completely articulate what they are attempting to communicate to oneanother based solely on the captured audio captured by microphones andvideo signals captured by video cameras.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-5 and 11 illustrate embodiments of devices.

FIGS. 6-7 illustrates embodiments of a method for video messaging.

FIGS. 8-9 illustrates embodiments of a method for prompting to generatea video message.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a method for callback duringplayback of a video message.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiments of a method for monetization of videomessaging.

The drawings referred to in this description should be understood as notbeing drawn to scale except if specifically noted.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the presenttechnology, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the technology will be described in conjunction withvarious embodiment(s), it will be understood that they are not intendedto limit the present technology to these embodiments. On the contrary,the present technology is intended to cover alternatives, modificationsand equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope ofthe various embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

Furthermore, in the following description of embodiments, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present technology. However, the present technologymay be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not beendescribed in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of thepresent embodiments.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of device 100. Device 100 is configured forparticipation in a video conference. Moreover, device 100 is furtherconfigured to generate and/or receive video messages.

FIG. 2 depicts devices 100 and 200 participating in a video conference.In general, video conferencing allows two or more locations to interactvia multi-way video and audio transmissions simultaneously.

The discussion below will first describe the components of device 100.The discussion will then describe the functionality of the components ofdevice 100 during a video conference between devices 100 and 200.Moreover, the discussion will describe, among other things, thecommunication of video messaging.

Devices 100 and 200 are any communication devices (e.g., laptop,desktop, smartphones, tables, TV, etc.) capable of participating in avideo conference. In various embodiments, device 100 is a hand-heldmobile device, such as smart phone, personal digital assistant (PDA),and the like.

Moreover, for clarity and brevity, the discussion will focus on thecomponents and functionality of device 100. However, device 200 operatesin a similar fashion as device 100. In one embodiment, device 200 is thesame as device 100 and includes the same components as device 100.

Device 100 includes display 110, animation selection receiver 120,animation incorporator 130, transmitter 140, camera 150, microphone 152and speaker 154. Device 100 optionally includes global positioningsystem 160.

Display 110 is configured for displaying video captured at device 200.In another embodiment, display 110 is further configured for displayingvideo captured at device 100.

Animation selection receiver 120 is configured to access a selectableanimation. A selectable animation is configured for augmenting a videoconference, which will be described in detail below.

Animation incorporator 130 is configured for incorporating the selectionof the selectable animation 190 into the video conference. For example,animation incorporator 130 is configured for incorporating theselectable animation into a video captured at device 100 and/or device200. In one embodiment, the animation incorporator 130 includes ananimation manipulator 135 that is configured to enable manipulation ofthe animation in the video conference.

Transmitter 140 is for transmitting data (e.g., animation, controlcode).

Optionally, device 100 includes one or more of the following: a videocamera 150; a microphone 152; a speaker 154; a global positioning system160, and contact list 170.

Video camera 150 is for capturing video at device 100. It should beappreciated that device 100 may also include an additional camera (e.g.,camera 151) on a back face of device 100 facing opposite camera 150.Microphone 152 is for capturing audio at device 100. Speaker 154 is forgenerating an audible signal at device 100.

Global positioning system 160 is for determining a location of a device100.

Contact list 170 is a collection or list of names of individuals. Inother words, contact list 170 is an address book for user 105. Forexample, contact list 170 can include, but is not limited to friends,neighbors, employer, coworkers, relatives of user 105.

In one embodiment, contact list 170 is a global contact list. Forinstance, the global contact list includes information associated with aplurality of individuals listed in the global contact list. The globalcontact list can be associated with social graphs, social network site,employer, peers, social groups, educational institutions, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 2, devices 100 and 200 are participating in avideo conference with one another. In various embodiments, more than twodevices participate in a video conference with each another.

During the video conference, video camera 250 captures video at device200. For example, video camera 250 captures video of user 205 of device200.

Video camera 150 captures video at device 100. For example, video camera150 captures video of user 105. It should be appreciated that videocameras 150 and 250 capture any objects that are within the respectiveviewing ranges of cameras 150 and 250.

Microphone 152 captures audio signals corresponding to the capturedvideo signal at device 100. Similarly, a microphone of device 200captures audio signals corresponding to the captured video signal atdevice 200.

The video captured at device 200 is transmitted to and displayed ondisplay 110 of device 100. For example, a video of user 205 is displayedon a first view 112 of display 110. Moreover, the video of user 205 isdisplayed on a view 214 of display 210.

The video captured at device 100 is transmitted to and displayed ondisplay 210 of device 200. For example, a video of user 105 is displayedon first view 212 of display 210. Moreover, the video of user 105 isdisplayed on a second view 114 of display 110.

In one embodiment, the audio signals captured at devices 100 and 200 areincorporated into the captured video. In another embodiment, the audiosignals are transmitted separate from the transmitted video.

As depicted, first view 112 is the primary view displayed on display 110and second view 114 is the smaller secondary view displayed on display110. In various embodiments, the size of both first view 112 and secondview 114 are adjustable. For example, second view 114 can be enlarged tobe the primary view and view 112 can be diminished in size to be asecondary view. Moreover, either one of views 112 and 114 can be closedor fully diminished such that it is not viewable.

Animation selection receiver 120 receives a selection of a selectableanimation 190, via receiving a selection of a selectable animationrepresentation (e.g., an image representing an animation), foraugmenting the video conference. An animation is a simulation ofmovement created by displaying a series of pictures, or frames. Inembodiments, animations themselves can be received at device 100 from aserver or device 200 and animations can be received at different times.For example, animations can be received when an augmenting applicationis downloaded onto device 100, during login, or in real-time, when theanimations are instructed to be incorporated into the video conference.Further, by not limited to, animations can be received by beingdownloaded with a video conferencing application, by being downloadedlater on as part of a selection (e.g., digital catalog), by beingdownloaded during a call, by being downloaded when the user interactswith the application, by being downloaded when the application isupdated.

The set of selectable animation representations 191 that are depicted inFIGS. 2 and 6 (e.g., star, palm tree, flower, rain cloud) are merely afew of any number of examples of animations. It should be appreciatedthat the set of selectable animation representations 191 may include oneor more selectable animation representations. It should be appreciatedthat an animation can be any object that is capable of augmenting avideo conference. In other words, an animation can be any object that isable to supplement the communication between participants in a videoconference. For example, animations can be, but are not limited to, akiss, heart, emoticon, high-five, background (photo-booth type ofeffects), color space changes, and/or image process changes (e.g.,thinning, fattening), or avatars.

It should also be appreciated that is not limited to a viewableanimation. For example, an animation can be one of a plurality ofsounds, or sounds and video. Additionally, the animations may notnecessarily be pre-determined. For example, the displaying of theanimations may be a result of an interaction with the user of theapplication.

In one embodiment, the set of selectable animation representations 191are displayed on display 110 for viewing by user 105. For example, theset of selectable animation representations 191 are displayed on theanimation display bar 192. In one embodiment, the animation display bar192 is overlaid with first view 112. In another embodiment, theanimation display bar 192 is displayed concurrently with first view 112and/or second view 114.

In various embodiments, the animation display bar 192 is displayed inresponse to user input, such as, but not limited to key stroke, cursormovement, a detected touch on a touch screen, and designated movement bya user (e.g., expressions, winking, blowing a kiss, hand gesture and thelike).

Animation incorporator 130 facilitates in incorporating selectableanimation 190 into the video conference. In one embodiment, at device100, animation incorporator 130 incorporates selectable animation 190into the video captured at device 200. For example, selectable animation190 is incorporated above the head of user 205. Therefore, as depicted,video captured at device 200 is incorporated with the selectableanimation 190 and the augmented video is displayed at least at device200. Also, the augmented video with incorporated selectable animation190 is displayed at device 100.

In one embodiment, user 105 selects selectable animation 190 in theanimation display bar 192 and drags the selectable animation 190 to andplaces it at a location designated by user 105 (e.g., above the head ofuser 205, as displayed on first view 112). Once placed at the designatedlocation, animation incorporator 130 incorporates animation at thedesignated location.

In another embodiment, animation incorporator 130 generates controlcode. The control code instructs how selectable animation 190 is to beincorporated into the video captured at device 200.

For example, control code can be transmitted directly to device 200 toinstruct device 200 how selectable animation 190 is to be incorporatedinto video displayed at device 200. In such an example, control codesignals or instructs device 200 that selectable animation 190 is to bedisplayed in the video conference. In another example, the control codeis sent to a server, device 200 then receives the control code from theserver and/or corresponding animation.

FIG. 2 depicts the selectable animation 190 incorporated into the videoconference. However, it should be appreciated that any number ofselectable animations can be incorporated into the video conference atany time. For example, five different animations, represented byselectable animation representations, that are selected from the set ofselectable animation representations may be concurrently incorporatedinto the video conference.

It should be appreciated that the term “incorporate” used herein, isused to describe that a selectable animation 190 is merely displayedalong with some portion of the video conference. As such, the selectableanimation 190 is merely displayed concurrently with some portion of thevideo conference. Accordingly, the selectable animation 190 isunderstood to be incorporated into the video. However, it is notunderstood that the selectable animation 190 is integrated with or madepart of the video stream.

In one embodiment, the selectable animation 190 is superimposed as anoverlay on a video. As such, a selectable animation 190 is concurrentlysuperimposed as an overlay displayed on devices 100 and 200. Forexample, a selectable animation 190 is concurrently overlaid on videodisplayed in view 112 and view 214 (as depicted in FIG. 2), and aselectable animation can be concurrent overlaid on video displayed inview 114 and view 212 (as depicted in FIG. 6).

In another embodiment, the selectable animation 190 is integrated intothe bit stream of the video conference.

In another example, a selectable animation 190 is concurrently overlaidon video displayed in view 112 and view 212. Also, the selectableanimation 190 is displayed in a portion of a display independent of theviews at the devices and does not require a two-way video to be active(e.g., a one-way video could be active).

It should be noted that the various embodiments described herein canalso be used in combination with one another. That is one describedembodiment can be used in combination with one or more other describedembodiments.

In one embodiment, transmitter 140 then transmits the video captured atdevice 200, which now includes selectable animation 190, to device 200(hereinafter, also known as the “second device 200”) such that the videoincluding selectable animation 190 is displayed on display 210. Inanother embodiment, transmitter 140 transmits control code to device 200(or a server) to instruct device 200 how selectable animation 190 is tobe incorporated into the video conference.

Animation manipulator 135 manipulates incorporated selectable animation190. In one embodiment, selectable animation 190 is manipulated atdevice 100. For example, in response to user input at a touch screen,user 105 rotates selectable animation 190 clockwise. Accordingly, videocaptured at device 200 (and displayed on device 100 and/or device 200)is augmented such that the selectable animation 190 spins clockwise.

In another embodiment, selectable animation 190 is manipulated at device200. For example, in response to user 205 moving his head from left toright, selectable animation 190 is manipulated (via an animationmanipulator of device 200) such that it moves from left to right withrespect to the head movement of user 205. Accordingly, video captured atdevice 200 (and displayed on device 100 and/or device 200) is augmentedsuch that selectable animation 190 is moved from left to right.

In a further embodiment, selectable animation 190 is concurrentlymanipulated at device 100 and device 200. For example, in response touser 205 moving his head from left to right and user 105 spinning theselectable animation 190 (as described above), selectable animation 190is manipulated such that it concurrently moves from left to right withrespect to the head movement of user 205 and spins in response to inputfrom user 105. Accordingly, video captured at device 200 (and displayedon device 100 and/or device 200) is augmented such that selectableanimation 190 is moved from left to right while spinning clockwise.

In a further embodiment, selectable animation 190 is directionallymanipulated. For example, user 105 sends a “punch” animation (e.g.,fist, boxing glove) to user 205. Accordingly, user 105 views the “punch”animation going into display 110 and user 205 views the “punch”animation coming out of display 210.

It should be appreciated that animations are manipulated in response toa variety of inputs. For example, animations can be manipulated viasounds, gestures, expressions, movements, etc. Various examples are: inresponse to a wink of a user, an animation (e.g., a star) comes out ofthe eye of the user; and in response to a kiss by a user, red lips flyout of the mouth of the user.

In one embodiment, the set of selectable animation representations 191are not displayed on display 110 and/or animation display bar 192 untilthere is at least one of a variety of inputs, as described above. Forexample, an animation of a heart is not displayed until there is tappingon a touch screen.

Any number of animations can be accessed and/or selected to beincorporated into the video conference. In one embodiment, the set ofselectable animation representations 191 are geographical-relatedanimations. For example, the set of selectable animations 191 are basedon a location of devices 100 and/or 200.

In particular, if device 100 is located in Hawaii, then the set ofselectable animation representations 191 are related to that location.For example, geographical-related animations, based on a location inHawaii determined from GPS 160, could be, but are not limited to, asurfboard, sun, palm tree, coconut, etc.

It should be appreciated that the determination of location can beprovided in a variety of ways. For example, the determination of alocation of a device can be based on information provided by a user uponregistrations, an IP address of the device or any other method that canbe used to determine location.

In another embodiment, the set of selectable animations 191 aretemporal-related animations based on a time of the video conference. Forexample, if the video conference occurs on or around Christmas, thenanimations would be Christmas related (e.g., stocking, Christmas tree,candy cane, etc.). In another example, if the video conference occurs inthe evening, then animations would be associated with the evening (e.g.,moon, stars, pajamas, etc.)

In a further embodiment, the set of selectable animation representations191 are culturally-related animations. For example, if user 105 and/oruser 205 are located in Canada, then the set of selectable animationrepresentations 191 could be, but are not limited to, a Canadian flag,hockey puck, curling stone, etc.

In yet another embodiment, the set of selectable animationrepresentations 191 are available and/or accessed based on accountstatus. For example, user 105 has a payable account to have access tothe set of selectable animation representations 191. If user 105 hasprovided adequate payment to the account, then user 105 is able toaccess the set of selectable animation representations 191. In contrast,if user has not provided adequate payment to the account, then user 105is unable to access the set of selectable animation representations 191.

Moreover, use and selection of animations can be specifically related toevents, holidays, special occasions and the like. Holidays can be, butare not limited to, religious holidays (e.g., Christmas, Easter, YomKippur, etc.), national holidays (e.g., New Years, Presidents Day,Memorial Day, etc.) or any other observed holiday (official orunofficial). Events or special occasions can be, but are not limited to,birthdays, anniversaries, graduation, weddings, new job, retirement andthe like.

For example, on or around Thanksgiving, animations of a turkey, pumpkinpie, a Pilgrim and the like are selected and/or used. In anotherexample, on or around St. Patrick's Day, animations of a shamrock, a potof gold, and a leprechaun are selected and/or used. In a furtherexample, on or around Easter, animations of an Easter bunny and Eastereggs are selected and/or used.

In one embodiment, a user is prompted to utilize an animationspecifically related to events, holidays, special occasions and thelike. For example, on or around the Fourth of July, a user is promptedto select and/or use animations (e.g., fireworks) specifically relatedto the Fourth of July. In particular, the animations are presented to auser and the user is prompted to send the animations to another user inthe videoconference. In other words, the animations are incorporatedinto the video conference.

In another embodiment, a user can be prompted to send an animation toanother user where a relationship between the parties is suspected,known, or inferred. For example, a mother is speaking with her son overa video conference. If the mother/son relationship is suspected, known,or inferred, then the son is prompted to utilize animations (e.g.,flowers) specifically related to Mother's Day.

The relationship can be determined in a variety of ways. For example,the relationship can be determined based on, but not limited to,surname, location of users, call logs, etc.

Moreover, the son may be prompted with a message, such as “This appearsto be your mother. Is this correct?” As such, if the son responds thathe is speaking with his mother, then the son is prompted to utilizeanimations (e.g., flowers) specifically related to Mother's Day.

It should also be appreciated that animations can enhance revenuestream. For example, 100,000 animations are used on Valentine's Day, andthere is a $0.50 fee for each animation. As a result, $50,000 in fees isaccumulated on Valentine's Day.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of device 100 utilized to generate a videomessage. For example, user 105 records a video message captured bycamera 150. The video message includes a video of user 105 (as depictedin first view 112) saying “Merry Christmas.”

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of device 100 displaying contact list 170.Continuing the example above, user 105 is able to select one contact ora plurality of contacts in contact list 170 as recipient or recipientsof video message. Once selected, user 105 can “send” the video messageto the selected contact(s). For instance, transmitter 140 transmits thevideo message to device 200 of user 205.

It should be appreciated that a contact (or contacts) can be selectedrecipients of the video message without requiring typing at device 100.For example, user 105 may scroll along contact list 170 and select towhom the video message will be sent. Accordingly, user 105 is notrequired to type in a phone number, email address, name or the like inorder to select the recipient of the video message and subsequently sendthe video message.

In one embodiment, user 105 attempts to call user 205. For example, user105 selects user 205 on contact list 170 and attempts to call user 205on his phone (e.g., device 200). However, the call is not completed dueto one of a variety of reasons. For example, user 205 is busy andchooses not to answer the phone, the network system is down, user 205 isunaware that the call is being placed, etc.

Accordingly, due to the call not being answered, user 105 ends the call(e.g., by pressing “end”). As a result, prompt 310 is displayed. Prompt310 is for prompting user 105 to leave a video message. For example,prompt 310 states “Would you like leave a video message?” If user 105selects “No,” then no video message is created. However, if user 105selects “Yes,” then user 105 generates a video message for user 205, asdescribed above.

It should be understood that the term “prompt” used herein may be anyfunctionality that provides for serving to suggest or remind a user ofan action that may be taken. In one embodiment, a prompt may be a pop-upthat suggest an action that may be taken. The pop-up may appear inresponse to a keystroke or another action taken by a user. In anotherembodiment, a prompt may be a button or the like (that is not a pop-up)that displays text. The button or the like may be displayed during theentirety a particular screen that is presented to the user.

In one embodiment, user 105 places a call to user 205. In response toplacing the call, a pre-determined time-out is started. For example, atime-out of 60 seconds is started. At the end of the time-out and thecall not being answered, prompt 310 is displayed.

In another embodiment, user 105 generates a video message withoutrequiring a call or an initiation to communicate with another user. Forexample, user 105 wishes to leave a video message for user 205. User 105then simply creates a video message and subsequently sends the messageto user 205 without attempting to call user 205 on device 200.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of device 200 displaying a video message.For instance, user 205 receives and views the video message sent by user105. During playback of the video message, prompt 510 is displayed.Prompt 510 is for prompting user 205 to call user 105 during the viewingof video message. For example, prompt 510 states “Would you like to callJohn Doe?” If user 205 selects “Yes,” then a call is placed to user 105(i.e., John Doe) such that user 205 and user 105 may have a real-timeconversation.

FIGS. 6 and 7 depict embodiments of methods 600 and 700 for videomessaging. In various embodiments, methods 600 and 700 are carried outby processors and electrical components under the control of computerreadable and computer executable instructions. The computer readable andcomputer executable instructions reside, for example, in a data storagemedium such as computer usable volatile and non-volatile memory.However, the computer readable and computer executable instructions mayreside in any type of computer readable storage medium. In someembodiments, methods 600 and 700 are performed at least by devices 100and/or 200.

At 610 of method 600, a video message is recorded for a recipient. Forexample, user 105 records a video message at device 100. The videomessage is intended to be sent to and received by user 205 at device200. It should be appreciated that the video message can be captured viacamera 150 or camera 151. As such, the video message can contain a videoof user 105 or may not contain a video of user 105. In particular, thevideo message can include a video of other objects or surroundings inproximity to user 105.

In one embodiment, at 612, the video message is recorded for a pluralityof recipients. For example, the video message captured by user 105 isintended for a plurality of people in contact list 170 of user 105.

At 620, a contact is selected as a recipient of the video message, atthe device, without requiring typing at the device. For example, user105 selects user 205 as the recipient of the video message. Inparticular, user 105 scrolls over “contact 1” in contact list 170 andselects contact 1 without requiring typing at device 100. In otherwords, user 105 is not required to type the name, phone number or anyother text at device 100 in order to select a recipient for the videomessage to be sent to.

In one embodiment, the recording of the video message occurs prior tothe selecting a contact as a recipient of the video message. In anotherembodiment, the selecting a contact as a recipient of the video messageoccurs prior to the recording of the video message.

In one embodiment, at 612, a contact is selected from a contact list.For example, contact 2 is selected as a recipient of the video message.

In another embodiment, at 614, a plurality of contacts are selected inthe contact list as the recipients of the video message. For example,user 105 selects contacts 1-3 as recipients of a video messagecontaining user 105 saying “Merry Christmas.”

At 625, the video message is transmitted to the recipient. For example,the video message captured at device 100 is transmitted by transmitter140 to device 200 for viewing by user 205. In particular, the videomessage is transmitted in response to user 105 pressing a buttonindicating “send” or the like.

At 630, the video message is based on video display parameters of asecond device. In various embodiments, transcoding means that are wellknown in the art are utilized to transcode the video message such thatthe video message is properly viewed on device that receives the videomessage from another device. For example, the transcoding enables thevideo message to be in proper format (e.g., size, orientation, etc) suchthat it is properly viewed.

At 636, the generation of the video message is prompted in response to atime-out. For example, a time-out of 60 seconds is initiated when user105 calls user 205. If the call is not answered by the end of thetime-out, then prompt 310 is displayed prompting user 105 to generate avideo message for user 205.

At 710 of method 700, a video message is recorded for a recipient. Forexample, user 105 records a video message, at device 100, for user 205to view the video message at device 200.

At 720, a contact is as a recipient of the video message. For example,user 105 selects user 205, at device 100, as a recipient of the videomessage.

In one embodiment, the recording of the video message occurs prior tothe selecting a contact as a recipient of the video message. In anotherembodiment, the selecting a contact as a recipient of the video messageoccurs prior to the recording of the video message.

At 730, the video message is transmitted to the recipient withoutrequiring calling the recipient. For example, user 105 may record andsubsequently transmit the video message to user 205 without requiringcalling user 205. The term “calling” or “call” as used herein refers toa user of a first device communicating in real-time with user of asecond device. For example, user 105 and user 205 conducting a real-timevideo conference or telephone conversation over devices 100 and 200.

FIGS. 8 and 9 depict embodiments of methods 800 and 900 for prompting togenerate a video message. In various embodiments, methods 800 and 900are carried out by processors and electrical components under thecontrol of computer readable and computer executable instructions. Thecomputer readable and computer executable instructions reside, forexample, in a data storage medium such as computer usable volatile andnon-volatile memory. However, the computer readable and computerexecutable instructions may reside in any type of computer readablestorage medium. In some embodiments, methods 800 and 900 are performedat least by devices 100 and/or 200.

At 810 of method 800, a communication is initiated between a firstdevice and a second device. For example, user 105 using device 100initiates a phone call to user 205 using device 200.

At 820, a pre-determined time-out is started. For example, a time-out of90 seconds is initiated in response to the user 105 calling user 205.

At 830, in response to an end of the time-out, a prompt is displayed atthe first device to generate a video message. For example, user 205 doesnot answer the call from user 105 after 90 seconds, accordingly, prompt310 is displayed which prompts user 105 to generate a video message foruser 205.

At 910 of method 900, a call is initiated from a first device to asecond device. For example, a telephone call from device 100 is made todevice 200.

At 920, the call is ended at the first device. For example, user 205does not answer the phone call from user 105. As such, user 105 ends thecall by hanging up the phone (e.g., pressing “end”).

At 930, in response to an end of the call, a prompt is displayed, at thefirst device, to generate a video message. For example, in response touser 105 ending the phone call, prompt 310 is displayed which promptsuser 105 to generate a video message for user 205.

FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of methods 1000 for callback duringplayback of a video message. In various embodiments, method 1000 iscarried out by processors and electrical components under the control ofcomputer readable and computer executable instructions. The computerreadable and computer executable instructions reside, for example, in adata storage medium such as computer usable volatile and non-volatilememory. However, the computer readable and computer executableinstructions may reside in any type of computer readable storage medium.In some embodiments, method 1000 is performed at least by devices 100and/or 200.

At 1010 of method 1000, a video message is viewed at a first device,wherein said video message is from a user of a second device. Forexample, user 205 views, at device 200, a video message from user 105.

At 1020, a user of the first device is prompted to call said user of thesecond device while viewing the video message. For example, user 205 isprompted with prompt 510 to callback user 105 while user 205 is viewingthe video message from user 105.

FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of a list of video messages. For instance,user 105 is a recipient of video messages. As such, a list of videomessages 1110 may be displayed on device 100. The list of video messagesmay be listed in chronological order, by name of the person who sent thevideo message, etc.

In one embodiment, each video message may be listed by the name of theperson who sent the message. For example, video message 1 is listed as“Jane Doe” because it was sent from Jane Doe, while video message 2 islisted as “John Doe” because it was sent from John Doe.

The video messages may be selected by user 105. For example, user 105may scroll over the list of video messages and select a particularmessage that is desired be played back.

In one embodiment, all of the video messages are accessible. That is,any of the video messages may be selected for playback in response tothe user selecting that particular video message.

In another embodiment, a subset of video messages 1110 are notaccessible for playback. Although the subset of video messages 1110 arelisted, they are not available for playback. For example, only the mostrecent three video messages are available. Accordingly, user 105 mayselect any of the three most recent videos for immediate playback.

However, any of the subset of video messages (e.g., video message 4through video message n) may not be accessible for immediate playback.If any of the video messages in the subset of video messages areselected, then prompt 1120 is displayed to prompt user 105 to purchaseaccess to the selected video message or any other of the video messagesin the subset of video messages.

In another embodiment, if any of the video messages in the subset ofvideo messages are selected, a purchase screen is displayed such thatuser 105 may purchase access to the selected video message or any otherof the video messages in the subset of video messages

The subset of video messages may be visually distinct from the othervideo messages. For example, the three most recent video messages may bein black font, while the subsequent video messages may be “grayed out.”In another example, a line may be displayed between the five most recentvideo messages and the subsequent video messages indicating that thefive most recent messages are available for immediate playback while thesubsequent video messages are not accessible for immediate playback.

FIG. 12 depicts an embodiment of methods 1200 for monetization of videomessaging. In various embodiments, method 1200 is carried out byprocessors and electrical components under the control of computerreadable and computer executable instructions. The computer readable andcomputer executable instructions reside, for example, in a data storagemedium such as computer usable volatile and non-volatile memory.However, the computer readable and computer executable instructions mayreside in any type of computer readable storage medium. In someembodiments, method 1200 is performed at least by devices 100 and/or200.

At 1210 of method 1200, a list of video messages is displayed, wherein afirst subset of the video messages in the list are not accessible forplayback. For example, a list of video messages 1110 is displayed. Inparticular, a first subset of video messages (e.g., video message 4through video message n) are listed, however, they are not accessiblefor immediate playback.

At 1220, selection of the video messages is allowed. For example, any ofthe listed video messages are able to be selected for playback. However,some video messages may be listed but they may not be accessible forimmediate playback.

At 1230, in response to selecting a video message of a first subset, auser is prompted to purchase access to playback the video message of thefirst subset selected by the user. For example, if user 105 selects any,some or all of video message 4 through video message n, then user 105 isprompted by prompt 1120 to purchase access to the selected videomessages in the first subset of video messages not accessible forimmediate playback. In such an example, the prompt may state “MonthlyPlan—$4.99” with a button stating “Get it Now.” If user selects thebutton, then the user purchases a monthly plan for $4.99 to gain accessto video messages in the first subset of video messages, as describedabove. Accordingly, the service provider of the management of the videomessages receives the $4.99.

In one embodiment, at 1232, the user is prompted to purchase a recurrentsubscription. For example, a user is prompted to purchase a recurrentyearly subscription for access to all of the video messages.

In another embodiment, at 1234, the user is prompted to purchase anon-recurring trial subscription. For example, user 105 is prompted topurchase a non-recurring 10-day trial for access to immediate playbackto all of the video messages.

In a further embodiment, at 1235, the user is prompted to purchase aone-time fee subscription. For example, user 105 is prompted to purchasea one-time fee subscription for access to immediate playback of all thevideo messages.

In one embodiment, a video message may be selected to be transferred ordownloaded to a user's personal media library. For example, user 105selects any of the video messages to be transferred to his personalvideo library. In such an example, the user may be prompted to purchasethe ability to transfer the selected video message to his personal medialibrary.

It should be appreciated that monetization, as described above, is notlimited to video messages. For example, monetization can be applied toother features/services used by devices 100 and/or 200. In oneembodiment, selectable animation 190 may be purchased for use in thecall between device 100 and 200.

Thus, the monetization of the method for augmenting a video conferencewith one or more animations includes making known to the user of device100 and/or 200 those animation features that are available for purchase.Various embodiments include providing a sequence of selectable tabsoverlaid on a user interface that enable a user to make desired andconvenient selections. These choices include, but are not limited to thefollowing: subscribing to packages for a specific monetary amount for acertain period of time; and accepting a free animation “pre-trial”. Ingeneral, the selectable choices regarding a subscription are generatedand communicated to the users of devices 100/200, in some embodiments,at the end of the video conference. As described herein, if it isdetermined that a user does not possess the required subscription toaccess particular animations, a subscription offer is then made to theuser via purchase information detailed on selectable images.

Various embodiments are thus described. While particular embodimentshave been described, it should be appreciated that the embodimentsshould not be construed as limited by such description, but ratherconstrued according to the following claims.

What we claim is:
 1. A computer-implemented method for monetization ofvideo messaging, said method comprising: displaying a list of videomessages, wherein said list is displayed such that each listed videomessage of said list of video messages is displayed simultaneously,wherein a first subset of said video messages in said list is notaccessible for playback until a purchase by a user occurs; allowing forselection of a video message of said first subset of said videomessages; and in response to selecting said video message, promptingsaid user to purchase access to playback said video message selected bysaid user.
 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, furthercomprising: prompting said user to purchase a recurrent subscription togain access to all of said first subset of video messages.
 3. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: promptingsaid user to purchase a non-recurring trial subscription to gain accessto all of said first subset of video messages.
 4. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: promptingsaid user to purchase a one-time fee subscription to gain access to allof said first subset of video messages.
 5. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 1, wherein a display of each listed video message ofsaid first subset of video messages are visually distinct from otherlisted video messages within said list of video messages.